Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Owners filed 318 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between Dec 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes (102).
Complaints
318
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
21
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Service brakes102
- Engine93
- Fuel/propulsion system51
- Electrical system43
- Power train40
- Vehicle speed control15
- Forward collision avoidance14
- Service brakes, hydraulic13
- Steering13
- Suspension11
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Air bags8
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Wheels7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
29
29
27
40
54
61
73
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 73 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Service brakes
102 reports8 crashes2 fires
“There were no warning lights prior. We were driving on the highway and the brake pedal all of a sudden became hard as a rock, and we could barely stop the car. Stoping distance was extremely long and dangerous, we were very lucky there was no one in front of us and that we were almost the the exit we needed to be at. Managed to slowly pull the car into a lot and arrnage for a tow to the nearest Chevrolet dealer (Open Road Chevrolet, Union NJ). They inspected it and said the vacuum pump was missing. Also said the notify the customer that tehre may be damage to the camshaft but they did not elaborate and they replaced the vacuum pump and verified their work and said no further repairs required at this time. Crazy dangerous situation to be in. Nothing warned us aboutt he issue at all. Just happened and we were very lucky.”
Engine
93 reports3 crashes3 fires
“"Brake vacuum pump seized and shattered, sending metal debris into engine via camshaft. Vehicle lost power and would not restart – towed to dealer. Dealer found metal debris in oil fill (photo available) and quoted $2,101 for camshaft/vacuum pump and $9,480 for engine assembly – total $12,493.83. This is identical failure to class action Thieme et al v. GM for 2018-2022 Equinox 1.5L. Safety risk – loss of power brake assist and sudden stall. RO 449922 Dave White Chevrolet Sylvania OH since 10/2/26. Known defect not under recall."”
Fuel/propulsion system
51 reports1 crash1 fire
“My car is a 2020 Chevy Equinox with only 31852 miles. While driving today, all of a sudden the car started shuddering badly and stalled in the middle of the highway. Talk about a very scary situation. I pushed the car to the side of the road, and had it towed to a local shop. They found that the Fuel Pump Control Module had failed (P129F code). Upon doing some research, I found out that the 2021 Equinox had recalls issued for this same exact issue. I also found that the 2020 and 2021 Equinox both used the same part number Fuel Pump Control Module (13565638). Because of this, the recall should be extended to the 2020 Chevy Equinox so that owners pay get the major possible safety issue fixed. Luckily, I did not get into an accident when this occured and honestly Chevrolet should be reimbursing me for the repair as this should have included in the safety recall for 2021 Equinox using the same part. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hopefully seeing the right thing done here. Sincerely, [XXX]”
Electrical system
43 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there were persistent electrical issues with both side-view mirrors independently adjusting after the vehicle was turned off. The driver was constantly manually readjusting the mirrors while operating the vehicle. The dealer performed a software reprogram, but the failure recurred the same day. The was intermittent at first but had become a constant failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.”
Power train
40 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“December 2025 I was at a complete stop and the car clunked and the brake pedal got hard hard to push and then a couple months later a brake sensor light came on and when I plugged the code reader into it, it said give me a brake sensor code, and then it started slamming on the brakes all by itself when I went to takeoff hard like give you whiplash hard and it didn’t just do it once it did it a few times and then it wouldn’t go into reverse and then it wouldn’t go in neutral, and then it started smoking. My safety was affected by it, slamming on the brakes that could make someone hit me. It could hurt my back and neck. Yes, I have proof. Yes, I notified the dealer. Yes the vehicle has been inspected and I got an estimate by two different Car Lot the one I bought it from Ken valor motors, and Matt Mazzoni’s I have. Plus I have diagnose diagnostics printouts from OnStar and this is a 2020 vehicle. It should not be having these problems and now I’m stuck paying for a vehicle that I can’t even drive.!!”
Vehicle speed control
15 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that occasionally while at a red light or while stopped, the vehicle hesitated for approximately 10 to 15 seconds to move while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle then accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve a fault code. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and an email was sent to the president of GM. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.